Net Worth Ranker
What Is Rachel Roy’s Net Worth?
Rachel Roy, an American fashion designer, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. This valuation reflects her career achievements and business ventures in the fashion industry. Roy has designed for high-profile clients such as Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian, Tyra Banks, Kate Hudson, and Penelope Cruz. Her brand gained recognition with the launch of the affordable fashion line, The RACHEL Rachel Roy collection, in 2009, showcasing her accessible design philosophy.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Rachel Roy was born on January 15, 1974, in Monterey, California, and grew up in Seaside, California. Raised alongside her brother, Rajendra Roy, who later became the Chief Film Curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, her upbringing was influenced by her Dutch mother and Madras-born father. The family adhered to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At the age of 14, Roy began her fashion career at Contempo Casuals, a clothing outlet in her hometown. After graduating from Seaside High School, she attended Washington Adventist University. She then moved to New York, where she worked as a stylist for magazines and music videos, building foundational experience in the fashion industry.
Fashion Career Milestones
Rachel Roy’s career took off when she became an intern at Rocawear, an urban fashion line. She quickly advanced to the role of creative director for the women’s and children’s divisions. This position was pivotal as it was where she met her future husband, Damon Dash. In 2004, she launched her first fashion collection, marking her official entry into the fashion design world. Roy received the Bollywood industry award for her contribution to American fashion in 2006. In 2007, she was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America. June 2008, she established a joint venture with Jones Apparel Group. In 2009, she launched The RACHEL Rachel Roy collection, an affordable line of sportswear, shoes, and accessories, available exclusively at Macy’s as well as at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Shoewoo, and Nordstrom.
In 2009, Roy collaborated with “Teen Vogue” to transform a simple T-shirt into a prom dress. That summer, she partnered with British pop star Estelle on a jewelry line. In the fall of 2010, Roy designed a capsule collection with model Jessica Stam, available exclusively at Macy’s stores and RachelRoy.com. In 2018, she was named a UN Women Champion for Innovation, recognized for her advocacy for gender equality through her work with the UN. In 2015, Roy co-wrote her first book with her daughter Ava, titled “Design Your Life: 96 Words for Love,” published in 2019. Additionally, Roy serves as an advisor to the national non-profit World of Children, supporting underserved and underprivileged youth globally. The Jones Apparel Group decided to sell and liquidate the Rachel Roy brand in 2013, also planning to sell Roy’s trademarks. Roy sued Jones Apparel, with the judge ruling that Roy held 100% creative control and final decision-making power regarding the buyer. The lawsuit was settled, and the company was sold to Sycamore Partners. Her fashion company now operates in partnership with Topson Downs, with Roy owning 50% of the company.
Legal and Financial Issues
In 2013, The Jones Apparel Group sought to liquidate the Rachel Roy brand, including selling Roy’s trademarks. Roy responded by suing Jones Apparel, arguing that she retained creative control over her company. The judge sided with Roy, affirming her 100% creative control and decision-making power regarding the buyer. The lawsuit was settled, resulting in the company being sold to Sycamore Partners. Rachel Roy’s fashion company currently operates in partnership with Topson Downs, with Roy retaining 50% ownership.
The documents indicated that Damon Dash agreed to pay Roy $6,000 per month in child support that would extend beyond when their two daughters turned 18. In a court filing, Damon claimed that in 2018, he earned a total of $56,000, while Rachel supposedly earned more than $500,000. In March 2019, Dash was ordered to pay Rachel $341,991 and $25,000 for attorney fees. In January 2024, Damon sought a reduction in his child support obligations, claiming he made a total of $5,140 in the previous year and could only afford a monthly support payment of $430.
Damon Dash Relationship and Divorce
Rachel Roy married entrepreneur Damon Dash in 2005. They have two daughters, Ava Dash (born December 1999) and Tallulah Dash (born May 2008). Rachel filed for divorce in 2009, and in April 2015, she was awarded sole custody of both children. She also filed a restraining order against Dash, which the court granted to both her and her two daughters for three years. Days later, Dash filed a lawsuit against her, alleging a breach of fiduciary duties.
Additional Achievements and Recognition
In addition to the Bollywood Industry Award, Rachel Roy has received the ACE Award and was named a UN Women Champion for Innovation in 2018. Roy was rewarded for her efforts to advocate for gender equality through her work with the UN. Roy wrote her first book with her daughter Ava in 2015 called “Design Your Life: 96 Words for Love.” It was published in 2019. Roy also works as an advisor to the national non-profit World of Children, which aims to serve underserved and underprivileged youth around the world.
